getting started in homeschooling
a guide to San Diego Homeschooling

by Dawn Davis, editor

A frequent inquiry we receive at San Diego Homeschooling is how to get started. Let's take some time to explore this introduction to San Diego Homeschooling. It will help you get going on the right track.

Online community support
One Easter vacation over ten years ago, our family decided not to send our daughter back to public school. The first thing I did was use the Internet to find homeschool resources. I was fortunate to discover an email list where every aspect of homeschooling was discussed. There were discussions for everyone from beginners to those homeschooling high schoolers! I spent loads of time on that site reading what others had encountered, discovered and overcome in their experiences. That experience inspired me to take a leap of faith and commit to homeschooling our daughter.

If I had a rough day or faced difficult questions from well-meaning relatives and friends, I'd head back online for help and relief. Sure enough, someone already dealt with that issue and there was sound advice to be had. Looking back, the "life-line" provided by the online community kept me from being overwhelmed or giving up during our tough times.

I always suggest to those starting out to find a place online where they can read about homeschooling, have their questions answered, and find a sense of community. There are several San Diego email lists for homeschoolers listed in the Resources section of this website.

Books, books and more books!
Gone are the days when you had to ask Barnes & Noble to special-order a book on homeschooling. Now you can find a dozen in most mainstream bookstores.

Here on SDHS you can find information about many books about homeschooling. We include brief descriptions, rankings, and links to purchase them through Amazon. I recommend reading several so that you can get fresh perspectives. The different ways of approaching homeschooling are as unique as the people involved.

Catalogs
Get a copy of the Elijah Company's catalog. It offers such a succinct and informative section all about home education. It is from a Christian perspective, but those who don't share that faith can gain much from it as well.

Tutors and classes abound!
Take my word for it, you will either hit a roadblock or have trouble with at least one subject and realize, "we need some outside help!" Don't despair. Whatever it is, there is someone nearby who can help.

Maybe Uncle Ken has spent most of his life working with equations and can share some insights with your son who is having difficulty navigating his Algebra II course. Look around your life to see if there is someone who can be a resource for your student. Chances are that they'd love the opportunity to share their skills and abilities to help your student.

Hiring a tutor can help you to continue homeschooling through high school when many otherwise confident homeschool parents face intimidating aspects of meeting college requirements.

Some students benefit from the social interaction with peers for certain subjects. Finding a class or co-op group can be a terrific way to meet that need. Learning in a group can provide the accountability students (and parents as well) need to remain on course for a subject.

Classes are often organized by other homeschool parents. Some are lead by teachers who are share their passion for a subject and supplement their income by teaching in homes. You can take a class through your local community center or community education programs offered at the community colleges. There are many online classes available using the internet as well. You'll find endless possibilities for your student to get the outside help they need for a subject, so don't let one or two weak subjects keep you from the many joys of homeschooling. Tapping the strengths others can keep you homeschooling for as long as it suits your family.

You will find several area tutors and classes of all types here on San Diego Homeschooling. If you have a need for something not found here, please contact us and we'll do our best to connect you to someone who can help.

Curricula ad infinitem
In addition to homeschooling books and instructors, many other resources are available to homeschoolers. You can always use standard textbooks or custom materials developed for homeschoolers by homeschoolers. Resources exist that cover every educational approach and philosophy, whether they're developed for religious groups or your own worldview.

You can buy online, through catalogs, at the local teacher store, at a religious supply store, at yearly conventions, and at area used curriculum sales. There are numerous websites devoted to the sale of used curriculum and books where you can find just about anything for a great price. See our Links for resources and homeschool events page to find out about all these options.

Where do I sign up?
When we began our homeschool journey, I felt most comfortable joining the nearby public school home education program. We were given our materials, met monthly with a supervising teacher, and offered a variety of classes and field trip choices to take part in if we desired.

After our first year with the program, I realized I wanted the freedom to choose my own materials based on what I thought was best for my students, not necessarily what the school district deemed appropriate.

While I was given much latitude for customizing our school program, there were limitations. There came a time when I believed we could do this on our own. So after thoroughly examining the legal requirements as well as serious thought and debate in our household, we decided to file our paperwork directly with the state as a private school (R-4/Private School Affidavit). We scoured the CA state homeschool organization's websites which were tremendously helpful (see CHN, CHEA or HSC links in the Resource section). We continue to home educate legally as our own private school. It has been the right choice for our family.

Other popular options include private ISPs (Independent School Programs), charter schools, and long-distance learning programs. You can research each one and choose the one that works best for you. Like us, you may find that what works best now may not be what you use later.

More choices than ever
The availability of homeschool resources has increased greatly over the past decade. It is a wonderful thing for those getting started in their home education adventure! We hope that you will find some of the help you need on our website. Be sure to take a look around and contact us with any questions.

Make contact


Dawn Davis is a San Diego homeschooling veteran of two terrific learners. Since 2001, the Davis family works together to develop and operate this website for the benefit of other homeschooling families.